Large trucks move in and out of Connecticut at all hours of the day and night. Without these trucks, few of us would enjoy the choice of goods at grocery stores and big box retailers. Other trucks move trash or debris and support the city’s sanitation efforts.Unfortunately, any collision with a large truck is dangerous. Those riding in smaller passenger vehicles often suffer horrifying injuries, some of which are fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact a Glastonbury motor vehicle accident attorney from Tehrani Law Group today. We are here to help you get justice.

Truck Accident Causes

It is obvious that trucks are far bigger and heavier than other cars on the road. The FMCSA recognizes these size differences as a major safety concern, stating, “The mass of a truck or bus increases the risk of more severe crash damage, injuries, and fatalities.” A truck’s size and weight increase accident damage and raise risks for accidents overall. These characteristics make trucks harder to maneuver and make accelerating and braking more challenging.

Trucks are tall vehicles. Their height raises their center of gravity, increasing the possibility of tipping or rolling over. The height can also “trap” smaller vehicles that are pushed or pulled beneath the truck’s undercarriage. Large vehicles–like massive 18-wheelers–can also create wind gusts, pushing smaller vehicles out of their lanes.

The truck’s physical characteristics are not the only sources of danger. Everyone involved in a tractor-trailer or other large truck’s operation is responsible for keeping that truck safe for travel. Any failures can result in a crash.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers must follow all traffic laws, drive at speeds safe for conditions, and maintain constant alertness. Because driving for long hours can lead to distraction and fatigue, the FMCSA has implemented strict hours of service regulations. Drivers cannot use alcohol or drugs while on the job or in the hours leading up to on-duty shifts. They must also conduct pre- and post-ride inspections of the vehicle.

Truck Companies

Companies must make sure drivers are appropriately trained, evaluate their drivers, and take unsafe operators off the job. They must also follow maintenance guidelines for their fleets. It is unlawful for truck companies to pressure drivers to speed, stay on duty beyond the permitted hours of service, or overload trailers to stay ahead of the competition.

Truck Loaders

Cargo must be loaded using proper securements and according to weight limits. Loaders must also ensure loads do not shift during rides. Overloaded vehicles are harder to control. They are also harder to bring to a stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Shifting loads can send a semi-truck off balance and into a rollover or jackknife position.

Truck Maintenance Workers

When trucks are due for inspection, inspectors must examine the vehicles thoroughly and according to FMCSA regulations. They are responsible for recognizing and removing unsafe vehicles from service. Mechanics must carry out full, reliable repairs before putting the truck back on the road.

Third Parties

Another negligent or reckless driver could cause the crash, perhaps by cutting in front of the truck and causing a chain reaction pile-up. Government entities could also bear culpability if their failure to maintain road and traffic signals contributed to the accident.  need an ambulance to whisk them to the hospital. As your attorney, we can survey the facts to pinpoint who is to blame for the accident that injured you.

Connecticut Truck Accidents by the Numbers

Semi-trucks are a common sight on Connecticut’s roads. They carry goods to, through, and from Glastonbury on I-91, and Routes 2,3, and 17, among other roadways. Big rigs and delivery trucks get our orders to our doorsteps quickly, keep our stores’ shelves stocked, and otherwise support our economy, but their presence on the roads does come with the risk of accidents.

The most recent full-year of  FMCSA Crash Statistics for Connecticut truck accidents shows:

  • 1368 crashes
  • 23 fatalities
  • 563 injuries

Nationwide statistics record 154,618 large-truck-involved crashes, leading to 73,393 injuries and 4,528 fatalities. The National Safety Council (NSC)’s most recent rankings put Connecticut among the nine states with the lowest percentage of large-truck-accident fatalities. As a whole, the statistics speak to Connecticut’s general truck safety. Still, for those injured or killed, overall statistics do not matter. What matters is that their injuries and losses demand justice. 

Consequences of Truck Accidents

The consequences of truck accidents can reach far into victims’ lives. The in-the-moment fear and trauma caused by the event is, unfortunately, just the beginning of a difficult aftermath. 

Physical Injuries

Truck accident victims often need immediate medical care and emergency transport to a hospital. Even if you are able to leave the scene of the accident on your own power, you must see a doctor within a few hours or, at most, a day. 

Truck-accident injuries include:

  • Broken or crushed bones
  • Deep lacerations or amputations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Musculoskeletal damage
  • Disc herniations
  • Nerve damage

Some injuries are obvious right away. Others can be hidden by shock and the rush of adrenaline. The pain from a severely injured neck or back could set in later, but if you wait to get care, you could exacerbate the condition. Bleeding from the brain or internal organ damage may not be apparent until treatment is too late. 

Financial Effects

Physical injuries cause financial damage. Medical care is expensive. When injuries are severe and require ongoing, perhaps permanent, care, the costs are astronomical. However, medical bills are not the only concern for truck accident victims. Working, or at least working in a pre-accident capacity, is usually not an option during recovery time. Victims who will never recover fully face a future without income.

Secondary expenses bring additional financial hardship for some victims. They may have to replace vehicles or other property destroyed or damaged in the crash. If they can no longer manage childcare or property maintenance duties or are unable to drive, they may have to hire others to help with these responsibilities.

Emotional Costs

If you are permanently disabled by the accident, you might grieve your lost abilities, independence, and future plans. Injuries can prevent you from enjoying activities, social engagements, vacations, and special events, adding to your sense of loss and diminishing your quality of life. The bills and loss of income add anxiety to your suffering as you fear a life of financial instability.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Glastonbury Can Help

The devastating consequences of a truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling helpless and hopeless. But do not give up. The truck accident lawyers from Tehrani Law Group are here to help and ready to restore your hope for the future. 

From day one, we will treat you with compassion and respect, supporting you through this tough time. You can also count on us for insightful legal guidance and fierce advocacy as we take your case through the process.

Post-Accident Investigation

Our team has the experience, resources, and knowledge to carry out an exhaustive, informative post-accident investigation. Through this investigation, we will work to determine the accident’s cause and identify the party or parties responsible. 

We will track down witnesses, consult with accident reconstructionists, examine the accident scene and any physical evidence, review traffic or security camera footage, analyze black box data, and explore all other avenues of information to find out what happened. 

Personal Injury Claim

Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) Chapter 926, Section 52-584 establishes a two-year legal deadline for filing most personal injury claims. Connect with us as soon as possible after the accident so we have time to identify the negligent party and file your claim within that statute of limitations. 

Many truck accident cases settle without going to trial through negotiations with the at-fault party’s representatives. Our team comprises skilled, strategic negotiators, but if the other side simply refuses to engage in fair, productive discussions, your timely filing preserves your right to fight for justice through a trial. If you are afraid you have missed the deadline, do not assume you have lost the chance to get justice. An experienced truck accident attorney can review your case to see if there are grounds for an extension. 

A prompt partnership also helps with evidence collection. Witnesses’ memories are sharper in the period close following the accident. We can send evidence preservation letters to prevent camera footage or black box data from getting erased or lost as time passes. 

Settlement Demand

You need compensation to recover your current and future financial losses and acknowledge your suffering. For truck accident victims, that amount is often substantial. The at-fault party’s insurance representatives may contact you quickly, offering you a settlement. Do not accept the amount without consulting with your truck accident lawyer. These fast offers are usually far less than what your case is worth.

Your attorney will assess your losses with extreme care. We will examine your financial situation, determine your projected income, and speak with your medical team about your prognosis and future care requirements. We will also put a dollar value on your pain and suffering and lost enjoyment of life. Insurance companies will try to minimize your losses to save themselves a large payout. After calculating a fair amount, our team will send the at-fault party’s representative a settlement demand letter and fight to hold them accountable for paying you every dollar you deserve.

Settlement Negotiation

The other side will most likely respond to our demand with a lower offer, and negotiations will be underway. Our team will keep your best interests at the forefront of every discussion and come to every negotiating session prepared for battle. We know what types of evidence are most convincing and how to spot intimidation or other tactics the other side may implement to knock us off course. Throughout the process, we will keep you updated and involved, address your concerns, and listen to your input. 

Your attorney will work to settle your case through out-of-court negotiations. Settlements usually come more quickly and with less stress than trial verdicts. Still, we will not encourage you to “settle for less” just to get out of a lengthy trial. If negotiations stall, we will provide trustworthy guidance and help you find the best way forward.

Trial Representation

You may decide to seek justice through a trial. Trials can be challenging for victims. Court dates are subject to last-minute changes and judge availability. The fight takes time. No matter how long it takes, Tehrani Law Group will provide exceptional, aggressive representation at every proceeding.

We Fight for the Highest Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims in Glastonbury, CT

Connecticut allows eligible victims to collect damages for their accident-related losses. Per CGA 52-572h, eligible victims are those not more than 50% responsible for causing the accident leading to their damages. Victims meeting this standard will still see their compensation amount reduced by their smaller percentage of fault, if applicable.

To lower their payout, the other side will look to put the blame on you, but we will be prepared for those attempts. Our truck accident attorneys will compile and present evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence and to protect you from blame as we work to deliver the highest settlement or trial award possible.

The specific elements of an accident determine its value, so it is not possible to present an average compensation amount. You can expect us to fight for:

  • Economic damages: The financial cost incurred by the accident
  • Non-Economic damages: The value of the non-tangible losses incurred by the accident–your pain and suffering

You may also be entitled to punitive damages under Connecticut Law. Punitive damages punish at-fault parties for especially egregious acts of negligence, imposing an additional monetary penalty. If your case circumstances allow for punitive damages, we will fight for them.

Take the First Step Toward Justice Today

The road to recovery is not easy for truck accident victims. There are physical, emotional, and financial challenges to overcome. Tehrani Law Group is ready to help you face those challenges and fight for the compensation you deserve. Take the first step toward justice by reaching out for your free case consultation today. Our team is here for you.